Saudi Gazette MANILA — Japeth Aguilar calmly sank a baseline jumper as the final buzzer sounded, lifting the Barangay Ginebra Kings to a heart-stopping 97-96 victory over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 3 of their PBA Governors' Cup semifinal series Friday night. Ginebra now leads the best-of-5 series at 2-1 and could wrap it up and head into the finals with another victory Sunday. Import Justin Brownlee was the top scorer for the Kings with 25 points. Aguilar finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. LA Tenorio nearly had a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists while rookie Scottie Thompson did finish with a triple-double of 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Sol Mercado only contributed two points but had nine assists, including the one that led to the game-winner from Aguilar. Aguilar drilled eight points in the fourth quarter — including six straight that allowed the Kings to seize the lead, 88-86. Arwind Santos regained the lead for San Miguel, 94-92, with a midrange jumper. Before Tenorio answered with a huge three-pointer to give Ginebra back the lead, 95-94, with 1:28 remaining. Again, Santos managed to score with another pull-up jumper as the Beermen retook the lead, 96-95, with 44 seconds left. After two Ginebra misses in the ensuing play, the Kings still managed to get the rebound. Mercado then drove to the basket, and then whipped a pass to an open Aguilar on the baseline. With almost no time left, the 6'9" athletic forward fired a shot with the ball swishing through the net as time expired. Game Saturday: Meralco Bolts vs. TNT KaTropa (Game 3 of best-of-5 semifinals; series tied 1-1).
